ZTE Blade A3Y Comprehensive Specs Price Pros & Cons

Design and Build Quality

The ZTE Blade A3Y is designed with practicality and affordability in mind. The dimensions of the device are 146 x 71 x 9.7 mm (5.75 x 2.80 x 0.38 in), and it weighs approximately 162 g (5.71 oz). It offers a solid build with a sleek design that is comfortable to hold. The device's Purple color adds a vibrant touch that stands out.

Display

The ZTE Blade A3Y features a 5.5-inch IPS LCD screen with a resolution of 720 x 1440 pixels, resulting in a pixel density of about 293 ppi. The screen-to-body ratio is approximately 75.3%, which delivers a balanced view while ensuring the phone remains compact and easily manageable with one hand. The 18:9 aspect ratio provides a modern display experience suitable for various activities such as browsing and media consumption.

Performance

Under the hood, the device is powered by the Mediatek MT6761 Helio A22 (12 nm) chipset, featuring a Quad-core 2.0 GHz Cortex-A53 CPU and a PowerVR GE8320 GPU. This setup is modest but efficient, capable of handling everyday tasks such as calling, texting, and using apps with ease. The 2GB of RAM supports multitasking for basic applications, though it may struggle with more demanding usage scenarios.

Camera

For photography enthusiasts on a budget, the ZTE Blade A3Y offers an 8 MP rear camera with Dual-LED flash and HDR capability. It supports video recording at 1080p@30fps, making it suitable for capturing memories in decent quality. The front-facing camera is a 5 MP unit, allowing users to take selfies and engage in video calls with ease, although the video quality is limited to 720p@30fps.

Storage

The device comes with 32GB of internal storage, which is a reasonable amount of space for a budget smartphone. It is expandable via a microSDXC card, which is beneficial for users who need additional storage for apps, photos, and media files.

Battery Life

The ZTE Blade A3Y houses a Li-Ion 2660 mAh removable battery. Though not the largest capacity, the battery is sufficient for daily usage, including calls, messages, and light browsing. The removable nature of the battery may appeal to users who prefer the option to carry spare batteries for extended use without needing frequent recharges.

Software

The smartphone runs on Android 10, providing users with a modern operating system that supports a wide range of applications and features. Android 10 brings improvements in privacy, navigational gestures, and an overall smoother user experience compared to its predecessors.

Network and Connectivity

The ZTE Blade A3Y supports dual SIM functionality, allowing users to manage two separate phone numbers and plans simultaneously. It is compatible with GSM, HSPA, and LTE technologies, ensuring reliable connectivity. The device supports Wi-Fi 802.11 b/g/n/ac, dual-band, and Wi-Fi Direct, providing versatile options for internet connectivity. It also includes Bluetooth 4.2 for pairing with other devices and a USB Type-C 2.0 port for charging and data transfer. However, NFC and FM radio features are not available on this model.

Additional Features

The phone includes a rear-mounted fingerprint sensor, providing a secure and convenient way to unlock the device. Additionally, it is equipped with other essential sensors like accelerometer, proximity, and gyro, which are standard in current smartphones. The inclusion of a 3.5mm headphone jack is a positive aspect for users who prefer wired audio connectivity.

Price and Availability

The ZTE Blade A3Y was announced and released on October 30, 2020. It is priced at approximately 50 EUR, making it an attractive option for individuals seeking a functional but affordable smartphone. Its availability and cost-effectiveness make it a viable choice for budget-conscious consumers or as a secondary device.

Conclusion

In summary, the ZTE Blade A3Y is a budget-friendly smartphone that delivers satisfactory performance for basic tasks. Its compact design, combined with features such as dual SIM support, expandable storage, and a removable battery, makes it a practical choice for daily use. While it may not cater to those seeking high-performance or advanced features, it serves well as an entry-level device with essential smartphone functionality.